Forty years as a Claretian, Provincial Econome of the USA Western Province, the only Capitular Brother at the last General Chapter, are some of the circumstances by which Bro. Rene is known. The best pictures of the Chapter are thanks to his talent. Behind all this is a life lived with passion, which he has generously shared on three continents.

How did your vocation take place?
As a youth, I had always been close the sacraments. After finishing high school, my plans were to get a degree, get married and have a lot of kids. I felt a hunger for more knowledge of our faith and started to read the bible on a regular basis as well as praying the rosary. The thought kept coming to me that God wants something more of me. I was being pulled in two directions, one in which I lived my life and did what I wanted and the other to give my life to the Church for God to do with it what He wanted. A Maryknoll Brother?s magazine helped me discover my vocation.

How did you come to know the Claretians?
I requested information from the Maryknolls and a family friend told my mom that I should also contact a Fr. Hyman, C.M.F. at the Dominguez Seminary, which was very close to San Pedro where we lived. I did that and went up there to spend a weekend. I took the necessary tests and was invited to join a group of what they called belated vocations. I was 20 years old at the time.

How were your first years in the Congregation?
They were years of adjustment insofar as most of the other seminarians I was with were much younger than myself. The special group that I was with all left within the first year. Moving to our major seminary a year later put me in contact with seminarians closer to my own age and with other Brothers. I had been talked into taking courses for the Priesthood even though that was not my first or preferred choice. After a difficult year, I was allowed to enter the novitiate as a Brother. I had plenty of work to do and that made me happy. In fact, the novitiate was the high point of my early religious life. I felt that my skills were appreciated and needed. I added cooking, laundry, bus driving, grocery shopping, painting and butchering to the list of things I was doing. I wanted to continue with some college courses to get a degree, as I was a math major before joining the seminary. However, the Superior only allowed me to take courses in welding and automotive repair.

How was your experience in the missions?
At 27, I went on a missionary experience to some small villages in Alamos, Mexico with a group of seminarians. A year later; we went again and stayed in remote villages to teach catechism and prepare the people and children for the sacraments. We stayed there for over two months each time and suffered many hardships of health, food and language. I did most of the driving, cooking, shopping, and repairing of the vehicle. On one occasion, I even helped deliver a baby. Both visits made a great impression on me.

Then in 1969, Fr. McPolin, our provincial, asked for volunteers to go to Basilan City, Philippines. I volunteered immediately but had second thoughts when another Brother, Frances Blackman, also volunteered. The provincial decided that both us could go as well as Frs. Joseph Gutierrez, John Fessler and Henry Herrera. We joined Fr. Tom Mitchel and Bro. Jose Torrez who were already there. It was even then a very dangerous place. It was also the most rewarding and happiest time of my missionary experience. I worked with Christians, Muslims, Yakans, Samals, the Bajao and many others. I was there for six years and in 1975, I returned to the United States. Later, I spent many fruitful years in Africa: eight in Nigeria and three in Cameroon, before a back injury force me to return home in 1989. I have worn many hats over the years in the different missions adapting to the needs of the place and especially the needs of my community. I have been community treasurer and consulter as well as a relief program organizer, auto mechanic, welder, plumber, well digger, electrician, photographer, etc. in short a jack-of-all-trades. The most satisfying work was with the poor and needy. In the Philippines we had many evacuees to take care for as well as the Muslim and pagan tribal peoples. I always felt comfortable with them, working for them and with them. Nigeria is also close to my heart because I was part of a great beginning. There was always plenty of work for me. Most of what I do has to do with the material aspects of life. I have not been a preacher, or do works that are usually considered apostolic. The work I have done and am doing is a witness of love and dedication. I am doing God?s work in the only way I know how. I am trying to set a good example of what it means to be Christian and especially a Son of Mary?s Heart.

What were the main challenges and rewards?
The most difficult adjustment has been the language barrier. Next to that would be the diseases and insects. Malaria is no fun and I have had it at least four times. Then there are other illnesses and all kinds of things that get in the flesh and compensate for a multitude of sins.

Would you do it again?
Definitely, yes, without question!